Luke, 26, was sentenced on Thursday to two consecutive life sentences without parole for two murders – and 158 years for other convictions – for his 2009 rampage of hate that left two people dead and a third victim severely injured.

“I think he earned it and deserved it and unfortunately he didn’t get it,” Cruz told The Enterprise on Friday.

Luke, who did not testify at his trial, was found guilty of murder in first degree by premeditation, murder by deliberate premeditation, five counts of armed assault with intent to murder, armed home invasion, armed kidnapping with sexual assault, two counts of aggravated rape, indecent assault and battery on person 14 and over, and unlawful possession of a firearm and of ammunition. He was found not guilty of armed assault with intent to murder.

State Rep. Christine Canavan, D-Brockton, said she has voted in support of the death penalty since she took office in 1993. She agreed with Cruz.

“If there was somebody that was so unbelievably evil, violent and dangerous like him, then they would deserve it,” said Canavan. “What he did was savage. He would be a good candidate for it.”

Cruz said that there should be circumstances involving serial killers or multiple murders in which a jury could decide on the death penalty.

“I believe when you are dealing with people like Luke who behave in that fashion in our civilized society, state prosecutors should have the opportunity, in limited circumstances, to seek the ultimate penalty,” said Cruz.

He proposed a system in which there would be a regular trial to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – followed by a second penalty-phase trial in which, to consider capital punishment, the individual would have to convicted beyond all doubt through statements from the defendant or forensic evidence.

“Ultimately it would be up to the jury,” said Cruz. “Right now we don’t have that ability for any crimes unless they fall into federal parameters.”